Climate

Latest Updates

the way we eat can harm and help biodiversity

The Way We Eat Can Harm — Or Help — Biodiversity

Two new biodiversity studies find a link between what we eat and the shrinking number of wild plant and animal species left on the planet.

How water intensive is animal farming?

How Much Water Does a Cow Need?

California may be out of its drought but millions of thirsty animals farmed in the west are still at risk. Just how much water does a cow drink anyway?

7 Wildlife Species At Risk from the Willow Project

7 Wildlife Species at Risk From the Willow Project

Scientists warn the Willow Project not only damages the atmosphere but also threatens vulnerable wildlife — here are 7 examples.

How wild animals sequester carbon

Want to Sequester Carbon? Save Wild Animals

Gray wolves, elephants, wildebeests and sea otters are a few of the species that can help sequester carbon and mitigate global warming.

climate-smart agriculture

What Is Climate-Smart Agriculture?

With over $3 billion allocated to climate-smart agriculture programs, some experts worry there’s little agreement about what the term actually means.

manatee starvation caused by seagrass losses from water pollution

The Way We Eat Is Killing Manatees

Experts warn the Florida manatee is at risk of mass starvation as farm pollution continues to wipe out their primary food source.

IPCC report food system

IPCC: Slashing Emissions From Meat Crucial to Climate Action

A trio of new reports — including the IPCC’s latest — makes clear that food system reform is a crucial part of climate action.

Offshore Wind Isn't to Blame for Whale Deaths.

Offshore Wind Isn’t to Blame for Whale Deaths

Dominion Energy is working with federal agencies and marine life advocates to ensure offshore wind doesn’t harm vulnerable right whales.

North Atlantic Right Whale

How to Save the North Atlantic Right Whale

There are ways to reduce risk to dwindling right whale populations, but only if lawmakers and industry have the will to take action.

High Seas Treaty: 5 Issues Facing Oceans

High Seas Treaty: 5 Pressing Issues Facing the World’s Oceans

Almost 200 nations have pledged to protect the high seas — but what does that mean for world oceans and the so-called blue food economy?

wildlife wins from infrastructure bill

Wildlife Wins From Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Act

A bounty of much-needed new federal funds will help reconnect habit for freshwater and terrestrial animals.

how climate change killed migratory birds

How Climate Change Killed Thousands of Migratory Birds

Researchers call this effect “weather whiplash” but say sanctuaries and sustainable land strategies could help.

toxic water testing

‘This Is Absurd’: Train Cars That Derailed in Ohio Were Labeled Non-Hazardous

Ohio Department of Natural Resources has confirmed 3,500 dead fish in waterways as well as deceased hellbender salamanders, an endangered species in the state. 

cows and climate

Explainer: Why Is Beef Bad for the Planet?

It all comes down to burps and land.

Why is cattle ranching bad for the environment

Why Is Cattle Ranching Bad for the Environment?

Across the globe, cattle ranching is a leading cause of environmental damage, including high levels of water use, deforestation and methane emissions.

Danone dairy emissions

Danone’s New Climate Plan Doesn’t Deal With the Cows

Experts worry the pledge to slash methane encourages “unproven techno-fixes” over systemic solutions.

How many sharks are killed

How Many Sharks Are Killed Each Year?

Around 100 million sharks are killed each year across the globe, often for their fins and cartilage.

factory farms bankrolled by Rabobank

Rabobank Bankrolling Meat Industry’s Biggest Emitters

New research shows Rabobank provided global meat and dairy corporations with billions in financing.

measuring methane from cattle burps

What’s the Best Way to Measure Methane From Cattle Burps?

Methane stays in the atmosphere for around 12 years, which can make it a tricky gas to calculate.

12 Climate Solutions

12 Solutions to Climate Change

Here are 12 of the most effective ways to fix climate change. Everyone can help.

methane pollution explainer

Methane Pollution: Why Is Methane Bad for the Environment?

Methane is responsible for 30 percent of global warming since pre-industrial times. Emissions sources include natural gas, landfills and cattle farming.

Animals Conquered Snowball Earth

How Animals May Have Conquered Snowball Earth

We know there were animals during Earth’s chilliest era. The question is, what did they look like?

Why Is Eating Meat Bad For the Environment and Climate Change?

Meat consumption is contributing to the accelerating climate crisis.

Why Is Cattle Farming Bad for the Environment?

Cattle farming is the leading driver of deforestation and food-related climate emissions.

What Is Land Use Change, and What Causes It?

Over the last few centuries, human activity has caused land use change on an unnatural scale.

Eurasian brown bear

New Research Finds E.U. Policies Fund Beef and Bioenergy Over Nature

Two new reports find E.U. policies are failing to protect climate and biodiversity.

cop15 animal impacts

How Much Has the COP15 Biodiversity Conference Achieved for Wildlife?

At COP15, world governments are at a crossroads.

global bird declines

Rapid Bird Species Decline Boosts Case for Biodiversity Action

New wildlife report reveals 49 percent of bird species are decreasing.

sheared sheep

How “Sustainable” Wool Wipes Out Wildlife and Pumps Out Emissions

Marketed to consumers as “sustainable,” this “climate-beneficial” wool is polluting the land and killing wildlife.

U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions

How Much Does the U.S. Contribute to Greenhouse Gas Emissions?

A breakdown of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by state, sector, year and type of gas.